Aston Villa are intensifying their efforts to secure the services of Donyell Malen, having submitted an improved bid to Borussia Dortmund, as reported by German outlet BILD. With the winter transfer window on the horizon, the Villans are actively seeking a wide attacker, and the Dutch international forward has emerged as a prominent target for the Premier League side. Borussia Dortmund is believed to value Malen at between £25 million and £30 million.
Since his transfer from PSV Eindhoven to Dortmund in July 2021, Malen has faced challenges in establishing himself as a regular starter at the Bundesliga club. Despite a promising tenure at PSV, where he attracted considerable attention, his impact in Germany has diminished over the past three years. This season, the 25-year-old has often found himself on the sidelines, featuring in just 20 matches and accumulating fewer than 1,000 minutes of play. During this period, he has managed to score five goals and provide one assist, underscoring his potential despite limited opportunities. His current situation has made a move to the Premier League increasingly plausible, with several clubs keen to tap into his abilities.
Aston Villa’s interest in Malen underscores their pressing need for additional attacking options. Manager Unai Emery is particularly focused on enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities, especially in light of Jaden Philogene's impending departure to Ipswich Town. This development has heightened Villa's urgency to strengthen their squad ahead of the transfer window.
While Aston Villa's enhanced offer aims to persuade Borussia Dortmund, it remains uncertain whether they have met the club's asking price of £25-30 million. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding Malen's salary expectations, which are reported to be around £8.5 million per year. However, personal terms do not appear to be a significant obstacle, as the Dutch forward is reportedly keen to make the transition to Villa Park this month.
As noted by The Hard Tackle, Aston Villa's pursuit of Donyell Malen is a clear reflection of their ambition to bolster their attacking line-up in the upcoming transfer window. This potential move could not only revitalise Malen's career but also provide Villa with the attacking firepower necessary to enhance their performance in the league.